The Department of children services in Nyamira County has disbursed presidential bursary worth over Sh 2.7million to 218 needy and vulnerable children learning in various secondary schools.
Nyamira South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Florence Obunga while presiding over the disbursement of the bursary cheques to beneficiaries from West Mugirango constituency urged them to work hard while in school so as to obtain good results.
“We received hundreds of applications from interested children and parents who are needy and vulnerable who had high hopes that they could be considered for this prestigious bursary and the amounts available could only accommodate few who truly deserved. You therefore proof that you were worth to be selected,” she commented.
She thanked the selection committee for their commitment and tireless efforts of visiting homes of applicants to ascertain that they deserved to be considered for the bursary.
The area Sub County Director of Education Faith Kiprono urged the beneficiaries to ensure they maintained discipline and high standards while in school and at home and avoid unnecessary school abseentism because part of their school fees has already been catered for.
“Education is what equalises all groups of learners irrespective of their background. Ensure you score exemplary grades and you will for sure improve your current poor and vulnerable backgrounds. All those around you and your community will definitely marvel and accord you respect which you rightly deserve,” she said.
Mr Billy Adera, the Sub County children officer advised parents not to neglect their core mandate of clearing the remaining fees and providing their children with necessary personal effects for smooth learning while in school.
“Ensure you bring termly assessment reports which shows the academic performance of your children so that we monitor progress of your children to ensure government gets value for its money,” Mr Adera said.
DCC Obunga confirmed that the department of children services has planned a mentorship programme during half-term breaks and long term holidays to all bursary beneficiaries so that they are guided in career choice, leadership roles and role modelling to raise children who are confident and can articulate their issues correctly.
The beneficiaries in day and boarding secondary schools were given Sh15,000 and Sh25,000 each respectively.
By Deborah Bochere